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Bruce doesn't have quite as much defensive value as Cameron Maybin or Andrew McCutchen, but his power potential gets him rated the highest of the three high school outfielders taken consecutively in the 2005 draft. Bruce projects as a 35-homer guy from the left side of the plate. While it likely will be a couple of years before he's ready to hold his own versus left-handers, he should hit for average against righties. Bruce is still getting most of his time now in center field, but he figures to settle in as an above average defender in right in the majors. He could be a candidate to join the Cincinnati outfield before the end of next year, depending on what happens with Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. Growing pains are likely, but he should be an All-Star in time.

Since both Adam Dunn and Scott Hatteberg are candidates to be traded, Votto, who was drafted out of Canada in the second round five years ago, should be making his last appearance in the rankings. Votto offers 25-homer potential from the left side of the plate. Southpaws give him problems, so he could spend his first couple of years in the majors as a platoon player. He's capable of hitting .270-.280 with a quality OBP against right-handers right now. Votto is a natural first baseman, but he's been playing some left field this season just in case he's needed there. Ideally, he'd get to play first base right away after his promotion. His proximity to the majors and short-term upside make him a top fantasy prospect.

Cueto didn't make the preseason Top 150, though as the Reds' No. 6 prospect, he was one of the top five cuts. It was the likelihood of injury that hurt him then and still costs him a few spots now. Cueto can throw in the mid-90s and sits comfortably at 93 mph. His slider is a top-notch No. 2 pitch, and he's made a lot of progress with his changeup on his way to striking out more than a batter an inning this year. Because he stands just 5-foot-10, there's some thought that he might end up in the pen. However, that's only going to happen if arm problems strike. He's showing No. 2-starter upside.

Re: Rotoworld Top 150 MidSeason Prospects...

Originally Posted by Benihana

Drew Stubbs at 84 kind of questions the credibility of the list, otherwise I have no problems with those rankings. I actually think they're pretty spot on.

Stubbs remains a top prospect because of his obvious skills. All he needs to do is learn to make better contact and he's a major leaguer of some sort. The majors are full of players who got off to very slow starts in the minors.

Re: Rotoworld Top 150 MidSeason Prospects...

It just seems kind of lazy to me- the guy puts up the awful numbers he's put up this year in a league he's too old for, and yet he moves UP 27 spots on the list from the preseason?

While I certainly don't agree with where Stubbs was ranked he plays a premiere defensive position where you dont have to hit a whole lot to be of value. His on base percentage suggests that if he ever hits at all, he will be quite valuable.

Re: Rotoworld Top 150 MidSeason Prospects...

Originally Posted by Benihana

Well then lets trade him for some value to whatever team employs such scouts.

While I have always been a skeptic when it comes to Stubbs, there is no reason to make him a throwin on a trade. At this point he can't have much trade value. If not including him was a dealbreaker then by all means, include him. Otherwise, they should hang on to him.

Stubbs signing bonus is a sunk cost, he now costs the same as the rest of guys.

Re: Rotoworld Top 150 MidSeason Prospects...

Originally Posted by PuffyPig

Stubbs remains a top prospect because of his obvious skills. All he needs to do is learn to make better contact and he's a major leaguer of some sort. The majors are full of players who got off to very slow starts in the minors.

It remains to be seen if Stubbs is one of those.

The majors are not full of guys out of college programs who got off to starts anywhere near as bad as what Stubbs is doing. I've looked. I can't find anybody even close.

If Stubbs becomes a productive major leaguer after getting off to this bad a start then he's going to be a fairly unique animal. There is nothing normal about what he's going through (at least nothing that qualifies as normal for good players).

Baseball isn't a magic trick ... it doesn't get spoiled if you figure out how it works. - gonelong

Re: Rotoworld Top 150 MidSeason Prospects...

Originally Posted by M2

The majors are not full of guys out of college programs who got off to starts anywhere near as bad as what Stubbs is doing. I've looked. I can't find anybody even close.

If Stubbs becomes a productive major leaguer after getting off to this bad a start then he's going to be a fairly unique animal. There is nothing normal about what he's going through (at least nothing that qualifies as normal for good players).

Honest question though, and I doubt you really can find an answer becuase of how these things are, but does anyone jump out that was just hurt their first two seasons in the minors in those cases who seemingly underperformed (not even to Stubbs extent, but still not what was expected) and then once healthy kind of blew up?

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